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In this week’s nutrition news: Lack of sleep linked to childhood obesity, food images can make you feel full and exploring the evolution of the modern kitchen.

Why We Choose Unhealthy Foods

Why do many people choose the unhealthy choice when healthier options are available?
The Nielsen Company surveyed 27,000 people and found that 35 percent of respondents blamed it on a lack of time, while 33 percent claimed money constraints. Forty-five percent of respondents said they’d choose unhealthier, tastier options as flavor was a top priority. No matter what the excuse, check out our posts that bust them all:

Lack of sleep and obesity have been linked by several studies, but a
new one found that a lack of nighttime sleep was associated with an increased risk for being overweight and obese later in life. Researchers also found that daytime naps didn't help make up for the lack of nighttime Zzzs.

Exploring the Modern Kitchen

The modern kitchen has evolved tremendously since the start of the 20th century. In the Victorian Era, kitchens were banished to the basements and run by servants. Once electricity and gas became available, the kitchen took on a more central role in the home. The Museum of Modern Art in New York City explores the fascinating history of the kitchen in its show
“Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen,” opening on September 15.

Several experiments
conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison show that the eyes
are bigger than the stomach.Researchers served two groups of participants identical fruit smoothies, but showed one group a heaping pile of
strawberries and
bananas and the other a small banana and a few measly strawberries. The group who saw more reported feeling 20 percent more full than the second group.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

In this week’s nutrition headlines: a study finds that organic foods are the healthier choice, new fiber-fortified products are on the market, and more good news for chocolate fans and the sweet's heart-healthy benefits.